Engineers Ireland anticipates that employers in the construction and consultancy sectors will seek to fill close to 8,000 engineering positions this year, but a shortage of experienced engineers and the housing crisis will cause difficulty in recruitment.
In its latest employers' survey, the professional body found there was strong demand for engineering talent across sectors, including civil and mechanical engineering.
However, the number of software engineering positions has fallen following job cuts at large tech multinationals. At present, 72% of engineering employers see the shortage of engineers with the correct skills as a major barrier to business growth
"We are all aware of the recent job cuts in the tech sector – many of them in the engineering area," said Damien Owens, director general of Engineers Ireland.
"It is important to stress that there are other sectors which are in urgent need of engineers e.g., construction and consultancy, with almost 8,000 new jobs anticipated in these sectors in 2023."
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Owens added that engineering is one of the most important fields in society, but that the skills shortage is "nothing new." Companies have sought to upskill existing staff, maintain hybrid working where possible, and attract overseas talent to compensate.
Engineers Ireland has also warned that the shortage of engineers could undermine the government's Project 2040 National Planning Framework and national Development Plan ambitions.
“In Project Ireland 2040, the Government has committed to actions on climate change and a ready supply of talented engineers will be fundamental to realising these goals," Owens said.
"In 2023, the reality is that the number of students moving into third-level engineering and the technology sectors needs to be much larger to meet employers’ future needs for graduates.
“If we don't address the skills shortage soon, it could have negative effects on our economy and society. We urgently need more young people choosing careers in engineering."
The call comes on the day of CAO deadline (1 February), the closing date for applications to undergraduate courses.
Engineers Ireland has also urged engineering firms as libraries, local authorities, schools, and third-level institutions to get involved in STEPS Engineers Weeks 2023, taking place 4-10 March.
STEPS Engineers Week provides primary and secondary school students with the opportunity to discover engineering through events and activities facilitated by their teachers, parents, and local community.
(Pic: Getty Images)
